Note to our readers: Background Notes are no longer being updated or produced. They are being replaced with Fact Sheets focusing on U.S. relations with countries and other areas and providing links to additional resources. For archived versions of Background Notes, visit http://www.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/.
More information about Sao Tome and Principe is available on the Sao Tome and Principe Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.
U.S. - SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE RELATIONS
The United States established diplomatic relations with Sao Tome and Principe in 1976, following its independence from Portugal. U.S. relations with Sao Tome and Principe are excellent. The two countries share a commitment to democracy and good governance. The Voice of America broadcasts to much of Africa from a relay transmitter station in Sao Tome.
U.S. Assistance to Sao Tome and Principe
U.S. foreign assistance to Sao Tome and Principe is focused on improving the professionalism and capacity of the country’s small military and coast guard and enhancing its maritime security efforts. Situated in the oil-rich, strategically significant Gulf of Guinea, Sao Tome and Principe is a member of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), which is the focus of an increasing number of regional security initiatives. Sao Tome and Principe has been an active player in ECCAS’s Zone D maritime security exercises, and a participant in the U.S. Navy’s Africa Partnership Station ship visits to Gulf of Guinea countries.
Bilateral Economic Relations
U.S. exports to Sao Tome and Principe include vehicles, electrical machinery, aircraft, and iron and steel products, while its imports from Sao Tome and Principe include optic and medical instruments, cocoa, and furniture and bedding. Sao Tome and Principe is eligible for preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. The two countries do not have a bilateral investment treaty or taxation treaty.
Sao Tome and Principe's Membership in International Organizations
Sao Tome and Principe and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank. Sao Tome and Principe also is an observer to the World Trade Organization.
Bilateral Representation
The U.S. Ambassador to Sao Tome and Principe is Eric Benjaminson, resident in Gabon; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.
More information about Sao Tome and Principe is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:
Department of State Sao Tome and Principe Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Sao Tome and Principe Page
U.S. Embassy: Gabon
History of U.S. Relations With Sao Tome and Principe
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Countries Page
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Travel and Business Information
